I've been reading Cryptonomicon which made me really interested in how the Enigma Machines work. It's really interesting how incredibly simple they are conceptually, but the way they were built using 30s technology is really expensive and time consuming to replicate.
Project Goals:
- Build an M3 Enigma inspired device that is true to the mechanical feel of the original. No use of micro-controllers, seven segment displays etc.
- Compatible with M3 simulators.
- Easy to assemble and replicate ( The Rotors are just a PCB, pogo pins, and some printed parts)
- Relatively affordable. Use parts that are cheap and abundantly available over more period correct parts when needed.
Non-Goals:
- Model an exact replica of any particular machine
Got the first rotor put together last night. Just waiting on pogo pins. I updated the Ringstellung so that it can accept a M3 set screw to hold it in place if the friction fit isn't adequate.
The letters are printed separately in a single strip. I print the white part and then swap to black filament then cut the letters from the thin backer and super glue them to the ring.
I've sent off the PCBs for rotors I, II, and III. They are very similar, but the pads on each side of the PCBs are routed / wired to scramble the letters in different ways. The Wikipedia page is a good resource if you're interested in how they are routed.
The other bit that differs on one side of each rotor is the turnover notch position. This is currently just designed into the 3D printed part. There will be 6 different parts that will work with the 8 different rotors since rotor VI, VII, and, VIII share the same turn over notch position.
HI, are you looking to sell any of these? I need one for my project.